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Sankofa Radio Toronto | SOCIAL LIFE IN CANADA

“One day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was finish, Jesus’ mother said, they have no more wine. Dear mother why do you involve me? My time has not yet come. His mother said to the servants do whatever he tells you. Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by Jesus for ceremonial washing. Each holds about twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants to fill the jars with water. So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. John 2:1-8

Why should Jesus the son of God concern himself with social gathering. He was invited as his disciples and mother to the wedding banquet in Cana. A first miracle that suppose to be performed in synague, temple, religious meeting was performed at a wedding banquet. Why did this happen? Jesus could have refused the invitation but did not. This is clear evidence that the Lord himself is much concern about our social life on earth, especially marriage. I hate divorce says the Lord God our creator. In Africa people are very much particular about their social life. We as Africans do well when it comes to our culture, custom and traditions. Even though many of our traditions and custom are too fetish, some are okay. Why am I saying that? Simply because they release us from stress, depression, pain, agony and reduce our burdens. For example:

A) When a woman gives birth, all the community will provide food, firewood, clothes, water and many will go there to serve.

B) When one is getting married, the whole community will help out with the ceremony.

C) When someone dies is another occasion people gather round from far and near to help bury the dead. In case any debt is incurred during the funeral ceremony the family members will share the cost among themselves.

These are some of our customs and traditions which make us different from that of the western world. Let’s look at how people are dying as a result of stress, depression, sickness and loneliness all because we are not portraying our local Ghanaian life or African tradition here. It’s very strange to know that in Canada we are not united as back home. The devil tries to bring division among us. Because he knows with togetherness we are unbeatable, unconquerable, unstoppable and we can do exploit. Even smaller communities are having their community centers. In Edmonton, when I visited, the Somalians have their own community center where their children go every weekend to learn their local language. Also in Minnesota in the USA, the Somalians have their radio station, community centre where they do programs in their language and many community own properties. What are we doing as a community and a nation as a whole? Though we are in foreign land, we do not have to forget the good moral conducts we use to do back home in Ghana. Daniel said I will not defy myself with the king’s food but will eat farm produce in a foreign land.

WHAT LEGACY ARE WE LEAVING BEHIND AS PEOPLE?

Look at the Indians and the Italians, these people are leaving behind not only properties for their children but also cultural values. Almost everyone from the above mentioned communities can speak their language and can also write. Sometimes when our children are misbehaving in public where we want to discipline them because most of them do not understand our language you cannot. There is nothing powerful than a mothers’ tongue. We need to teach our children our local dialect because English is the first language in Canada and no matter what the kids will be able to speak it. Children are very smart in learning languages when they are young. Let us start with them from the very beginning when they are still kids. We do not have to speak English with them when we are in our houses. If you are Ewe, Fante, Ga, Dagomba, or all the Akan clans try to teach them your local dialect. It is the responsibility of our churches, cultural associations and Nananom to take this challenge upon them and act appropriately.

The Bible says good name is better than riches and to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Many are not leaving behind good names because of the selfish interest or gain. Many are using dubious means to amass wealth. As children, whatever we see our parents doing is what we learn. Children learn from parents more than from school and friends. Married couples fight in the house while their children are there. What do you think these kids will learn from these acts? Some men abuse their wives when their children are present. Your character or attitude will be copied by your children. Let’s be hard working, polite, and respectful to each other in marriage and our children will emulate.

PROPERTY

Homes and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from God. Proverbs 19:14. Obama said,” if we want America to succeed in the twenty first centaury then the best things to do is to provide Americans with quality education”. The wealth to leave behind your children is to provide them with quality education. Let us help to educate our children. One of the opportunities of coming here is to have the best of education. Let’s use such opportunities wisely. We can also buy a house as we all know that will be able to build equity and leave behind the equity for our children. Do children’s education fund; precisely invest for your children’s future.

RELIGION

Most of our people were true believers and strong Christians back home but now are lukewarm Christians because of the condition here. The bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Let us train our children in the Lord as the bible teaches; the way they should go and when they grow they will never depart from it. Some Christians go to church without accompany their children. God fearing is a very important character for mankind. If you marry a God fearing person, no storm can change that person. Prayerful family and couples live without divorce. Pray with your family, read the bible with them. The problem over here needs solutions and by prayer, the word of God and fasting we can overcome.

SOCIALIZING

Go out with your family; attend social gatherings, like outdooring, weddings etc. Many are saying they do not want to associate themselves with the community but when something happens is the Ghanaians who will come to assist you. Let us involve ourselves in community development and improve our society.

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